"Dreamcast does the timewarp again, with mediocre results."

It is ironic that the Sega Dreamcast launched with a title like Armada. Armada isn't ugly, but it is certainly nothing fancy either - it looks like it could have launched with the Genesis or SNES! In many ways, this title resembles classic arcade shooters like Asteroids, Defender, Sinistar and Star Raiders; there may even be a little influence from Elite, Star Control, Starflight and Privateer. Too bad Armada just doesn't come close to matching those great games when it comes to fun.

GRAPHICS (7/10)
The graphics are nothing special, but they are basically clean and don't interfere with gameplay. Modestly impressive graphics are always better than high-tech visuals that add nothing to (and maybe even detract from) gameplay. I wasn't always sure what I was shooting at, but oh well.

MUSIC & SOUND (5/10)
The blasting sound effects are good, though I can't say they are very memorable. Ditto for any musical accompaniment.

CHALLENGE (5/10)
The real challenge of Armada is that it is so very long and involves a lot of repetitive flying and shooting and upgrading. If Armada had a stronger story, deeper role-playing, or more cerebral strategy, then it would definitely provide more challenge and more fun. Being able to save, as well as continue after you die, further reduces the challenge factor.

GAMEPLAY/FUN FACTOR (4/10)
Armada just isn't fun. Maybe this game would have really rocked as a massively or modestly multiplayer online shooter, or if it were reshaped into a PC-style RPG game like Elite or Starflight. Instead what you get is lots of spinning around and flying from quadrant to quadrant and blasting the hell out of swarms of alien craft (or the aliens themselves, I'm not really sure). Fun for a few minutes, but it gets old FAST.

FRUSTRATION FACTOR (4/10)
You can always continue or restore a saved position when you die, which keeps the long and boring Armada from being too frustrating.

REPLAY VALUE (5/10)
I'm not really sure if Armada is, technically speaking, replayable. On the one hand, you might keep coming back to it to collect more power-ups and make progress in the overall story. On the other hand, it's all pretty dull and monotonous after a very short span of playing time, so how ''addictive'' can Armada really be?

GAME VALUE (4/10)
It's a Dreamcast game that plays much like an old classic. That's cool, but it also means you're probably better off spending your money on the real thing.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Armada is full of promise. So are countless other middling console games. Hold out for a sequel or similar game that gives you something more substantial for your money.

FINAL RATING: 4/10

Reviewer's Score: 4/10, Originally Posted: 07/21/01, Updated 07/21/01